Director: Peter Kosminsky
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Juliette Binoche and Simon Ward
‘A Beautiful Adaptation’
Not many actors have made movies that shine as bright as Ralph Fiennes. Ever since his rise to fame in the 1990’s, Fiennes has become an icon. Whether it is preachers, Nazi commanders or bold political leaders, Fiennes has always portrayed many strong characters. Arguably, Fiennes’ greatest strength as an actor has always been his strong commitment to his craft. He is one of those actors that has often had talent for stealing the show in supporting roles with limited screen time. Even when he’s not the central focus of a movie, Fiennes always leaves a lasting impression. An actor with bold commitment, Fiennes has proven a celebrated icon in entertainment. Although he is arguably best known for his iconic role as Voldemort in the Harry Potter franchise, Fiennes has proven he can make engaging films in every single genre. Throughout a long lasting career, Fiennes has made many memorable movies that definitely are worth talking about.
I’m a huge fan of Fiennes and adore all the movies which he has created in his career. However, “Wuthering Heights” is definitely his most underrated work. Released back in 1992, Peter Kominsky’s movie offered a bold adaptation of a legendary literature classic. Packed with breathtaking production, bold storytelling and strong acting, it’s one of the best literary adaptations ever made. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Ralph Fiennes, who embodies an iconic literary hero. Although “Wuthering Heights” is a beautiful adaptation, it isn’t a flawless film. It’s unevenly paced, suffering from an ambiguous ending. Nevertheless, it provides engaging entertainment that would satisfy fans of the beloved book.
Based on the celebrated book, “Wuthering Heights” tells the story of lovers that reach soaring heights. Ralph Fiennes personifies Heathcliff, an orphaned man that’s adopted by a wealthy family. Heathcliff has always shared powerful bonds with Cathy (Juliette Binoche), whom he loves dearly. Cathy is a woman of higher social standing with plans of marriage. However, Heathcliff’s dreams of love are shattered when Cathy is married to a rich landowner. Faced with a dilemma, Heathcliff is forced to question whether it’s possible to pursue relationships in a wealthy era. Questioning his social status, Heathcliff is forced to question whether it’s possible to materialize relationships which prove to be precious.
Peter Kosminsky is a newcomer towards the strokes of social status. Before he directed “Wuthering Heights”, Kosminsky had never made a literature adaptation before. It was the filmmaker’s first ever attempt to adapt a legendary romantic book but he succeeded tremendously. Using bold cinematography, Kosminsky captures a woman embarking on a journey to find her identity during the 19th Century. Inspired by James Ivory’s “A Room with a View”, Kosminsky captures a woman seeking to find value using close-ups. For instance, close-ups enhance the reunions scene. During this memorable scene, Cathy has an emotional reunion with Heathcliff following years of separation. Using strong closeups, Kosminsky creates a portrait of love that’s engaging. Closeups are tricky techniques to use in most films. As Steven Spielberg’s “Schindler’s List” demonstrated, closeups often elevate Holocaust movies. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this film. Using stunning visuals, Kosminsky captures tensions that childhood lovers torn apart by class are facing.
Another bold aspect of “Wuthering Heights” that merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, it’s one of the best literary adaptations made. Kosminsky effectively uses costumes to capture lives of women that experience social class tension. Throughout the film, Cathy’s bold costumes showcase her transformation into a woman from a higher social standing. For instance, the costumes enhance the marriage scene. During this heartfelt scene, Cathy wears a gorgeous dress that showcases her higher social standing amidst marriage. Through stunning costumes, Kosminsky creates a portrait of social status that’s compelling. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. James Acheson’s music contributes to the success of the movie. It gives the movie an intense atmosphere capturing the despair of lovers in a doomed affair. Using stunning production, Kosminski honours a legendary book earning appreciation.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Wuthering Heights” is a literary adaptation that’s compelling. The film is extremely well written, and effectively uses monologues to capture lives of lovers that face social class tension. Evoking Martin Scorsese’s “Age of Innocence”, Kosminsky effectively employs dramatic monologues to capture hardships doomed lovers experience. For instance, the monologues elevate the concession scene. During this unforgettable scene, Heathcliff confesses his love for Cathy in a passionate impassioned speech. Though monologues, Kosminsky creates a portrait of social class audiences can relate to. Monologues aren’t easy techniques to use in most movies. As Anthony Minghella’s “The English Patient” suggested, monologues elevate historical dramas. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Through a fantastic screenplay, Kosminsky honours a legendary book that’s beloved today.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Ralph Fiennes delivers one of his greatest performances as Heathcliff. Fiennes first earned appreciation for playing evil Nazi commanders in Holocaust dramas. With “Wuthering Heights”, however, the actor took on his most complex role. It isn’t easy to embody the personality of a legendary literary character but he succeeds. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and moving in his most underrated role. With captivating expressions, he captures the angst, grief and determination of a literary hero. It’s a phenomenal performance from one of the finest actors today.
While the movie is mainly a showcase for Fiennes, the supporting cast is also great and merits appreciation. Juliette Binoche is brilliant, capturing the regret faced by a woman that faces social class tensions. Simon Shepherd is spectacular, bringing authority towards a rich landowner that pursues a romantic relationship causing tension. Lastly, Sophie Ward is worthy of appreciation. As a wealthy woman, she is unforgettable.
Although “Wuthering Heights” is a great literary adaptation, it isn’t a flawless film. Kominsky’s decision to integrate subplots about parental neglect into the movie is bold but doesn’t succeed. Due towards this fault technique, scenes focusing on Cathy’s abusive parents aren’t as engrossing as her romantic journey. Moreover, the film lacks engaging ending. It’s an ambiguous ending that fails to bring the movie to a satisfying conclusion. Therefore, “Wuthering Heights” can’t quite honour a legendary book which audiences adore.
Nevertheless, fans of Ralph Fiennes would definitely enjoy “Wuthering Heights” and so will audiences seeking bold entertainment. An awe-inspiring adaptation, it honours an actor worthy of celebration.
Centuries following publication of a beloved book about wealthy women that engage in doomed affairs causing tragedy, it’s a bold reminder of an actor that has built a strong legacy through his abilities to portray bold characters in memorable movies audiences love dearly.
4/5 stars
The Film Buff 